Journal
CLINICAL CASE STUDIES
Volume 20, Issue 4, Pages 310-330Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
DOI: 10.1177/1534650121990894
Keywords
ketamine; racial trauma; posttraumatic stress disorder; psychedelics; cognitive behavioral therapy; functional analytic psychotherapy
Categories
Funding
- Canada Research Chairs Program
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Current research suggests that ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is beneficial for treating mental disorders. This case study demonstrates the effective use of ketamine as an adjunct to psychotherapy in treatment-resistant PTSD, resulting in significant symptom reduction post-treatment with maintenance of gains for 4 months.
Current research suggests that ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has benefit for the treatment of mental disorders. We report on the results of ketamine-assisted intensive outpatient psychotherapeutic treatment of a client with treatment-resistant, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of experiences of racism and childhood sexual abuse. The client's presenting symptoms included hypervigilance, social avoidance, feelings of hopelessness, and intense recollections. These symptoms impacted all areas of daily functioning. Psychoeducation was provided on how untreated intergenerational trauma, compounded by additional traumatic experiences, potentiated the client's experience of PTSD and subsequent maladaptive coping mechanisms. Ketamine was administered four times over a 13-day span as an off-label, adjunct to psychotherapy. Therapeutic interventions and orientations utilized were mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP). New skills were obtained in helping the client respond effectively to negative self-talk, catastrophic thinking, and feelings of helplessness. Treatment led to a significant reduction in symptoms after completion of the program, with gains maintained 4 months post-treatment. This case study demonstrates the effective use of ketamine as an adjunct to psychotherapy in treatment-resistant PTSD.
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